No, a man cannot marry his aunt in Islam.
Islamic Marriage Prohibitions
Islam strictly prohibits marriage within certain degrees of consanguinity (blood relation) and affinity (marriage relation). These prohibitions are designed to maintain the purity of family lineage and prevent social disruption. The Quran and the Sunnah (the teachings and practices of Prophet Muhammad) clearly outline these forbidden relationships.
One of the explicitly forbidden relationships is marriage to an aunt, whether paternal or maternal. This is a universally accepted principle within Islamic jurisprudence.
- Reference: The provided reference explicitly states: "You cannot marry your... aunts...". This directly addresses the question and confirms the prohibition.
Understanding the Prohibition
The prohibition against marrying aunts stems from the desire to protect family structures and prevent potential conflicts of interest and social complexities. It's part of a broader system of rules designed to promote healthy family dynamics and social harmony within the Muslim community.
The prohibition applies regardless of whether the aunt is the sister of the father or the mother. Both paternal and maternal aunts fall under the category of prohibited relationships.
Consequences of Violating the Prohibition
Marrying a close relative like an aunt is considered an invalid marriage according to Islamic law. Such a union is null and void, and any children born from it would be considered illegitimate. This carries significant religious and social consequences.